Material Dispenser with Real-Time Weight Sensing for Cost Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of food dispensers in grocery stores typically do not know the cost of the dispensed items until after they have filled a bag and weighed it, as existing dispensers do not provide real-time cost information during the dispensing process.
Innovation Solution
A food dispenser equipped with a hopper on weight sensors that measures the weight change during dispensing, allowing for real-time cost calculation and display, along with a communication interface to an inventory management system for user notification and data sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users dispense material into a bag and weigh it at the cash register, then the cost can be determined, but the user does not know the cost until after dispensing is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by displaying the running cost of dispensed material on a display device connected to weight sensors. As material is dispensed from the hopper, the weight sensors continuously measure the weight change and the system calculates and displays the corresponding cost, providing immediate feedback to the user during the dispensing process rather than requiring post-dispensing weighing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of weight sensors, a controller, and a display device that mediates between the dispensing action and the cost information. This intermediary system continuously monitors the weight of dispensed material and translates it into cost information, bridging the gap between the physical dispensing process and the monetary value without requiring separate weighing at the cash register.
2Loss of information
If weight sensors are installed in the dispenser, then real-time cost information can be provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight sensors serve multiple functions: they measure the weight of the hopper for inventory tracking, calculate the weight of dispensed material for cost determination, and provide data for both real-time display and post-dispensing records. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser system performs its own measurement and cost calculation functions autonomously using integrated weight sensors and a controller. The system automatically tracks weight changes, calculates costs based on predefined pricing, and displays information without requiring external intervention or separate weighing equipment at the cash register, making the complex system self-sufficient.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to know the running cost of the dispensed material in real-time, improving the shopping experience and facilitating accurate inventory management through continuous weight measurement and communication.
Implementation Method 1
the hopper residing on weight sensors that measure a weight of the hopper before, while, and after a customer receives material from the dispenser
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes, in part, embodiments of a material dispenser configured to dispense material while tracking an amount of dispensed material and messaging to a user, in near-real-time, the amount of dispensed materials, a running cost of the dispensed materials, and/or the like. The material dispenser may include one or more weight sensors to track an amount of dispensed material and a display to indicate to a user a running amount of material that has been dispensed and a running cost to the user.